Ramazan is for all!

"You will not eat anything today until the sun sets."

Such a declaration can be frightful to a small child. It seems like a very, very long time.

Many adult Muslims can recall the first Ramazan fast they observed when they were children. It is rather memorable: the difficulty of that day is easy to recall. Nevertheless, when the fast is successfully accomplished for the first time, the sense of triumph and joy is cherished for life.

But children should know that Ramazan is not torture or a threatening thing, but is something to do with fun, patience and respect.

One mother shares her experience of teaching her children how to fast during Ramazan. "I would get them used to Ramazan fasting by constantly reminding them of the blessings and rewards that a fasting person receives. I would teach them the wisdom behind fasting. I would also encourage them by preparing for them their favourite foods to break their fasts. As the day progressed, I would keep them busy with beneficial tasks, and as the time for breaking the fast grew near, I would keep them preoccupied by playing with them. As a final strategy, I would instill in them a spirit of competition; the children would vie with each other as to who would fast the greatest number of days."

Another mother said, "I would try to give my children strength by telling them things like: "When we were small, we would see our mother fasting, so we would fast along with her." I would remind them of the blessings that they would receive and that our beloved Prophet Muhammad used to fast."

This is how children should take Ramazan and for those who are fasting for the first time, this is going to be an unforgetable experience. At the time of Ifthar, any small kid should be proud and happy about himself/ herself as he/she has achieved another huge milestone in life.

Children should also understand that the best time to show their parents gratitude and be rewarded for their patience is the month of Ramazan.

Finally, you should know that this is a treasure which Allah has given us; it is more valuable than even a thousand months.

- Ruzaik Farook